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14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
Hexham TSF Fauna and Flora Management Plan
19 May 2020
14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
Plan Approval Table
Position Name Signature Date
Regional Maintenance Manager Matthew Jones
Revision History
Rev Date Author Comments
1 20/02/15 Heath Anderson DPE Approved
2 18/02/16 Heath Anderson DIL and WWTP consistency
3 11/10/17 Heath Anderson S1 Draft for review (third party)
4 20/05/19 Harry Egan Update following completion of
2018 IEA
5 19/05/20 Harry Egan Inclusion of turning angle
details
i 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
Table of Contents
1.0 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Site Description .................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Operational Activities ........................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Legislative Context .............................................................................................................................. 1
1.4 Purpose and Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 2
2.0 Site Ecological Context .................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Site Biodiversity Values ....................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Biometric Vegetation Types ................................................................................................................. 5
2.3 Green and Golden Bell Frog and Microchiroptera Bats ...................................................................... 6
2.4 Hollow Bearing Trees .......................................................................................................................... 6
2.5 Offsets .................................................................................................................................................. 7
3.0 Monitoring and Management Controls ........................................................................................... 9
3.1 Monitoring ............................................................................................................................................ 9
3.2 Rehabilitation ....................................................................................................................................... 9
3.3 SEPP 14 Wetland and EEC Vegetation .............................................................................................. 9
3.4 Fauna Relocation ............................................................................................................................... 10
3.5 Weed Management ........................................................................................................................... 10
4.0 Compliance and Reporting ................................................................................................................. 12
4.1 External Reporting Requirements ..................................................................................................... 12
4.2 Corrective Actions .............................................................................................................................. 12
4.3 Document Review .............................................................................................................................. 12
APPENDICIES ............................................................................................................................................ 13
APPENDIX A – Minister Conditions of Approval MP07_0171 and Statement of Commitments ............. 14
APPENDIX B – Regulatory Consultation ................................................................................................. 19
APPENDIX C – Green and Golden Bell Frog Management Plan ........................................................... 20
APPENDIX D – Weed Management Control and Guidelines .................................................................. 21
APPENDIX E – Recommended Revegetation Species .......................................................................... 32
APPENDIX F – Bio Banking Credits (#201607-TF-156) ......................................................................... 39
Table of Figures
Figure 1 - BVT and EEC vegetation boundaries ........................................................................................... 8
Table of Tables
Table 1 - Site Biodiversity Values.................................................................................................................. 3
ii 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
Table 2 - Biometric Vegetation Types and EEC ............................................................................................ 5
Table 3 - Noxious Weeds ............................................................................................................................ 11
iii 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
Glossary
Term Definitions
the Approval State Significant Infrastructure MP07_0171 MOD 1
Aurizon Aurizon Operations Pty Ltd
BVT Biometric Vegetation Types
CWR Coal Washery Reject
DAF Dissolved aeration floatation
Department of Planning,
Industry and Environment DPI&E
EEC Endangered Ecological Communities
EPL Environmental Protection Licence
EP&A Act Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
FFMP Fauna and Flora Management Plan
OEMP 14-PLA-0004-HEX Aurizon Hexham TSF Operational Environmental
Management Plan
OEH Office of Environment and Heritage
PASS Potential acid sulphate soils
SEPP State Environmental Planning Policies
the Site Hexham Train Support Facility
SoC Statement of Commitments
SSI State Significant Infrastructure
WoNS Weeds of National Significance
1 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Site Description The Aurizon Operations Pty Ltd (Aurizon) Hexham Train Support Facility (the Site) has a total area of 255ha
and is located at Hexham approximately 16km north-west of the Newcastle Central Business District.
The Site shares borders with the Main Northern Railway and Pacific Highway to the east and the New
England Highway to the north. To the south and west rural properties and the Hexham Swamp Nature
Reserve are adjacent. The Site is located within a predominantly industrial setting, with only a small number
of residential dwellings within the local vicinity.
The Site’s history as a coal handling facility has resulted in the southern portion of the site containing an
abandoned rail loop corridor and coal washery reject (CWR). CWR is retained within vegetated stockpiles
however it is also present extensively in sub surface deposits. Remediation completed during the
construction of the TSF infrastructure has resulted in excavated CWR and Potential Acid Sulphate Soil
(PASS) being stockpiled in the southern portion of the site
Brancourts Manufacturing and Processing Pty Ltd are currently licensed to use a portion of the site for a
waste water treatment plant and effluent irrigation area under Environmental Protection Licence (EPL) 816.
Effluent is irrigated over the above mentioned CWR stockpiles.
1.2 Operational Activities The Site provides routine and ad hoc provisioning and maintenance services to outbound locomotives and
wagons. The treatment of generated septic and operational waste water is undertaken onsite through the
utilisation of a septic treatment plant and dissolved aeration floatation (DAF) plant.
Infrastructure associated with the Site and the above mentioned operational activities are restricted to
approximately a 38 hectare portion of the Site and consists of:
• Seven train tracks (10.5 kilometres) parallel to the existing mainline, turning angle and a shunt
track;
• a provisioning building, service vehicle garage and combined maintenance/administrative centre;
• surface water management infrastructure including retention basins;
• bulk fuel storage area; and
• A wastewater treatment plant with on-site effluent irrigation and DAF.
1.3 Legislative Context The project was assessed and approved as State Significant Infrastructure (SSI) under Part 5.1 of the
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act).
The Site was approved by a delegate of the Minister for Planning and Infrastructure under MP07_0171,
dated 10 October 2013. The Hexham TSF Turning Angle (the Turning Angle) Modification MP 07_0171
MOD 1 (SSI-6090) (the Approval) was approved on the 09 October 2019
This Fauna and Flora Management Plan (FFMP) has been developed and implemented as required by the
Condition C3 of the Approval. A matrix of the conditions of approval and Statement of Commitments (SoC)
2 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
is included as Appendix A. This matrix identifies where these conditions/commitments have been
addressed in the FFMP.
The FFMP has been developed with reference to the Guidelines for the Preparation of Environmental
Management Plans (Department of Planning, 2004) and should be read in conjunction with the 14-PLA-
0004-Hex Aurizon Hexham TSF Operational Environmental Management Plan (OEMP), Rev 9 (April 2020).
1.4 Purpose and Objectives The FFMP has been prepared to support the on-going requirements of the OEMP and to meet all regulatory
obligations. This FFMP details the key information and instructions to manage ecological impacts
associated with the operational phases of the TSF.
3 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
2.0 Site Ecological Context
The Site is positioned in a highly fragmented landscape, which has been subject to historic agricultural,
infrastructure and industrial land uses.
The site itself is highly fragmented, with small patches of isolated remnant vegetation such as the Swamp
Oak Forest and areas of wetland occurring within a mostly disturbed/cleared areas often utilised as pasture
for livestock. The Main Northern Railway Line, New England Highway, Pacific Highway and Hexham
industrial area form barriers to movement to the east and north. Cleared pasture interspersed with low lying
wetland areas occurs to the west.
The primary habitat connection to the Site occurs to the southwest, whereby the Site adjoins wetland
habitats within Hexham Swamp (part of Hunter Wetlands National Park). Habitat within the National Park
is characterised by generally non-woody freshwater or estuarine wetlands and is therefore only suitable for
a restricted fauna assemblage (i.e. not suitable for forest/woodland dependant species).
Information detailed below has been sourced from the following assessments:
• Ecobiological (2008) Draft Ecological Assessment for Proposed Train Support Facility, Maitland
Rs, Hexham NSW
• Ecological (2013) Aurizon- train Support Facility, Hexham Ecological Investigations, Report ref:
10NEWECO-0017, 10 April 2013
• Hexham TSF - Turning Angle Ecological Assessment (Jacobs, 23 May 2019)
2.1 Site Biodiversity Values A total of 168 fauna species were recorded with the Site boundary consisting of:
• 9 amphibian species;
• 128 avian species;
• 25 mammal species; and
• 6 Reptile species.
Of the recorded 168 fauna species, 21 were threatened or migratory fauna species that have either been
recorded or are considered potential occurrences within the Site boundary.
A total of 268 flora species were recorded within the Site boundary with 86 of these being introduced
species. These species contribute to the five identified broad vegetation types covering approximately 32%
or 81 ha of the Site. Four of these vegetation types are considered to be native vegetation communities in
variable condition.
Each of the identified vegetation types are considered to represent three respective Endangered Ecological
Communities (EECs) listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The remaining Site is
classed as either disturbed or as a vegetation rehabilitation area.
A summary of the key biodiversity values recorded or considered likely to occur within the Site boundary
have been summarised in Table 1.
Table 1 - Site Biodiversity Values
Scientific Name Common Name TSC Act
EPBC Act
Likelihood of Occurrence
- Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest of the NSW North Coast,
EEC - Recorded
4 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
Scientific Name Common Name TSC Act
EPBC Act
Likelihood of Occurrence
Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions.
-
Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions
EEC - Recorded
-
Coastal Saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions
EEC - Recorded
Zannichellia palustris - E - Potential
Litoria aurea Green and Golden Bell Frog E V Potential
Hieraaetus morphnoides Little Eagle V - Recorded
Anseranas semipalmata Magpie Goose V M Recorded
Botaurus poiciloptilus Australasian Bittern V - Recorded
Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus Black-necked Stork E - Marginal potential
Irediparra gallinacea Comb-crested Jacana V - Potential
Ixobrychus flavicollis Black Bittern V - Potential
Rostratula australis (a.k.a. R. benghalensis)
Painted Snipe (Australian subspecies)
E V Potential
Tyto capensis Grass Owl V - Recorded
Chalinolobus dwyeri Large-eared Pied Bat V V Potential
Falsistrellus tasmaniensis Eastern False Pipistrelle V - Recorded
Miniopterus australis Little Bent-wing Bat V - Recorded
Miniopterus schreibersii oceanensis
Eastern Bent-wing Bat V - Recorded
Mormopterus norfolkensis East Coast Freetail Bat V - Recorded
5 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
Scientific Name Common Name TSC Act
EPBC Act
Likelihood of Occurrence
Myotis adversus Large-footed Myotis V - Recorded
Pteropus poliocephalus Grey-headed Flying-Fox V V Recorded
Saccolaimus flaviventris Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat V - Potential
Scoteanax rueppellii Greater Broad-nosed Bat V - Recorded
Apus pacificus Fork-tailed Swift - M Potential
Haliaeetus leucogaster White-bellied Sea-Eagle - M Recorded
Hirundapus caudacutus White-throated Needletail - M Potential
Ardea alba Great Egret - M Potential
Ardea ibis Cattle Egret - M Potential
2.2 Biometric Vegetation Types The Site consist of four Biometric Vegetation Types (BVT) which are described and mapped as part of the
biodiversity field surveys and three communities corresponding to respective EECs. These communities
and the impact resulting from the construction of the Site infrastructure are detailed in Table 1 below:
Table 2 - Biometric Vegetation Types and EEC
BVT EEC Surveyed Area
(ha) Impacted BVT
(ha) Impacted EEC
(ha)
Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions*
Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca)
28.65 8.26 4.00
Nil (planted and not consistent with the EEC definition).
18.50 Nil Nil
Coastal floodplain sedgelands, rushlands and forbs of the North Coast
Freshwater Wetlands on Coastal Floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions
9.69 2.07 2.07
Phragmites australis and Typha orientalis coastal freshwater wetlands of the Sydney basin
15.66 1.32 1.32
6 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
BVT EEC Surveyed Area
(ha) Impacted BVT
(ha) Impacted EEC
(ha)
Saltmarsh in estuaries of Sydney basin and south east corner
Coastal Saltmarsh in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions
9.24 0.35 0.35
Disturbed / Cleared Vegetation
172.03 Nil Nil
Total 254.00 12.00 7.74
*Contains SEPP 14 wetland with half of this community meeting the definition of an EEC, the remainder is of poor-quality rehabilitation / planting.
The condition of Swamp Oak forest varies across the Site due to past disturbance and other areas which
consist of predominantly Derived Grasslands. Historical rehabilitation areas containing Swamp Oak do not
reflect the definition of Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest EEC due to introduced soil and floristic composition.
One vegetation area currently mapped as State Environmental Planning Policies (SEPP) 14 Wetland No.
833 is present in the central eastern portion of the site and comprises of a degraded remnant of Swamp
Oak Swamp Forest. This area has been subject to clearing, grazing and waste water irrigation purposes
for the several decades prior to Aurizon purchasing the land, and is considered to be in poor condition.
All remnant native vegetation on the Site (excluding the rehabilitation plantings of Swamp Oak Swamp
Forest) is considered to meet the definition of Groundwater Dependence Ecosystems as described in NSW
State Groundwater Dependent Ecosystem Policy (DLWC 2002) due to the likely interaction of the
vegetation with shallow water table and periodic inundation of floodwater.
Site BVT and EEC boundaries are shown in Figure 1 below.
2.3 Green and Golden Bell Frog and Microchiroptera Bats With the exception of the Green and Golden Bell Frog and hollow roosting bats, the Site generally
constitutes foraging or intermittent refuge habitat.
Wetland habitats within the study area have the potential to support very occasional and intermittent
movements and foraging by Green and Golden Bell Frog. However, several multiyear targeted surveys for
the Green and Golden Bell Frog inclusive of quarterly monitoring completed during the first three years of
the Site’s operational phase (2015 – 2018) have been conducted resulting in no evidence of species’
presence or habitat utilisation within the study area.
In terms of habitat for Microchiroptera bats (e.g. East Coast Freetail Bat, Large-footed Myotis and Greater
Broad-nosed Bat), the area of remnant Swamp Oak swamp forest fringing estuaries in the north of the Site
contains abundant hollow bearing trees, with the majority of hollows being in the small (<8cm class). These
hollows have also been complemented by 26 bat boxes installed by Aurizon as per Condition E7 of the
Approval.
2.4 Hollow Bearing Trees A total of 682 trees (90% Casuarina glauca) that supported potential habitat hollows within the Site were
identified, mapped and the size class of hollows recorded. All identified hollow bearing trees are located
within a stand of Swamp Oak forest in the north of the Site. This area was not disturbed during construction.
7 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
With the exception of the remnant Swamp Oak Forest retained in the northern portion of the site, the vast
majority of the Site contains few mature trees, although some tall shrubs and trees are evident in the
southern and eastern portions of the Site. These trees are generally within regeneration areas, of a young
age and poor quality, but still have the potential to provide some small hollow habitat value.
2.5 Offsets Biodiversity offsets are required by Condition C4 of the Approval. In January 2016 the DPI&E informed
Aurizon that it would not enter into a Planning Agreement with Aurizon to secure the northern and southern
offsets on the Aurizon owned land at the Site.
To satisfy Condition C4, in consultation with the DPI&E and OEH, Aurizon purchased and retired offsite Bio
Banking Credits (transaction #201607-TF-156) in August 2016.
As the former northern and southern offset areas have been identified as containing EEC impacts to these
areas is not permitted unless approved by the DPI&E.
8 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
Figure 1 - BVT and EEC vegetation boundaries
9 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
3.0 Monitoring and Management Controls
3.1 Monitoring Condition C3 of the Approval requires the design and implementation of an ecological monitoring program
for the first three years of operation. As per correspondence included in Appendix B the Department of
Planning and Environment has approved the suspension of the ecological monitoring program due to all
prescribed performance conditions being met.
Additionally, due to the purchase and retirement of offsite Bio Banking Credits the monitoring of offset areas
is not required as per Condition F2(d) of the Approval.
3.2 Rehabilitation Rehabilitation of native vegetation areas impacted by approved site activities are to be undertaken
immediately following the completion of works, where practicable. Areas subject to rehabilitation due to
clearing during the construction phase (EECs) of the project are to be maintained throughout the operational
lifetime of the facility.
Suitable species for revegetation purposes are presented in Appendix E and are divided into vegetation
community specific species to provide for the best results. Additionally, another category has been provided
specifically for local native species that are suitable for landscaping purposes. It is assumed that areas to
be targeted for general landscaping will be elevated from the surrounding low-lying areas and as such will
require native species that are not dependent on or restricted to wet area habitats.
Ongoing management of all rehabilitation areas are to include management of weeds, fencing, stock
management and placement of coarse woody debris to create habitat for fauna.
3.3 SEPP 14 Wetland and EEC Vegetation Identified significant vegetation (e.g. SEPP 14 wetland and EEC) adjacent to work areas inclusive of
permanent structures or access routes is to be identified in Figure 1. This vegetation is to be designated
and protected as required for the duration of the works to prevent impact.
Operational staff and contractors are to be made aware of these areas during Site inductions, where
relevant. It should be noted that operational activities on-site are unlikely to require departure from
designated sealed access roads and are unlikely to have a direct impact on these areas.
The following activities are prohibited within these areas:
• Vehicle parking;
• Liquid or refuse disposal;
• Machinery repairs and/or refuelling;
• Combustion of any material;
• Stockpiling of soil, rubble or debris;
• Storage and mixing of chemicals or materials;
10 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
• Any filling or excavation including trench line, topsoil skimming and/or surface excavation, is to be
approved by the relevant authority; and
• Unauthorised pesticide, herbicide or chemical applications
3.4 Fauna Relocation Where fauna species are located and require removal from Site, Hunter Wildlife Rescue (Native Animal
Trust Fund) are to be contacted as required and the following steps are to be carried out:
• If fauna is venomous or dangerous then allow the animal to clear the area by way of observation
and follow to ensure the animal has vacated the required area. If the animal is in an undesirable
location and will not remove itself a contractor with the relevant expertise should be contacted to
remove.
• Captured native fauna requiring relocation are to be released in suitable habitat areas in
consultation with a wildlife carer, OEH staff or other specialist. Any translocation of wildlife must be
done in accordance with OEH policy – Policy for the Translocation of Threatened Fauna in NSW
(NPWS 2001).
• Where domestic stock (e.g. cattle, horse, domestic dog, etc.) are located on Site and are suspected
as being from adjacent properties, facility management is to contact local landholders for immediate
removal or containment from areas presenting potential danger to the animal, operations or
rehabilitation areas.
Where a threatened species has been recorded on the Site, details of its location and method of removal
(if the individual is in danger) are to be reported to OEH. Mitigation measures are to be reviewed to ensure
the FFMP remains appropriate for the species.
3.5 Weed Management As required by the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (NSW) noxious weeds must be controlled by landowners. The
study area contains a total of 86 introduced species, five of which are declared as noxious weeds in the
Newcastle Local Government Area and five are regarded as Weeds of National Significance (WoNS).
Weed identification and removal should be undertaken by a suitably qualified individual. A list of the
identified noxious weeds has been included in Appendix D with associated management measures.
General comments in regard to weed control are outlined below:
• Noxious, WoNS and highly invasive environmental weed species (ranked as very high or high)
need to be controlled and managed on-site.
• Removed weeds may be retained and disposed of on-site by being buried under fill. Alternatively,
weeds may be disposed of at a dedicated waste disposal facility.
• All significant weeds need to be effectively managed to prevent spreading into significant
vegetation e.g. SEPP 14 wetland, EECs and the adjacent section of Hunter Wetland National Park.
• Environmentally sensitive herbicide such as Round up Biactive® should be utilized due to the site
being located adjacent to wetland and SEPP14.
• Common and less invasive weed species biomass may be retained, broken down (i.e. via a
mulching and seed sterilisation process) on site and reused for rehabilitation / revegetation
purposes in pasture restoration areas.
11 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
A Noxious Weed Management Plan must be submitted to NCC two weeks prior to the removal of Noxious
Weeds Classes 3 – 5 for approval. The characteristics, control objectives and control measures to be
detailed in this management plan are detailed in Table 3.
Table 3 - Noxious Weeds
Class Characteristics Control Objectives Controls
3 – Regionally
Controlled
Pose a serious threat to primary
production or the environment of an
area to which the order applies, are
not widely distributed in the area
and are likely to spread in the area
or to another area.
Reduce the area and the
impact of those plants in
parts of NSW.
Must be fully and
continuously suppressed
and destroyed
4 – Locally
Controlled
Pose a threat to primary production,
the environment or human health,
are widely distributed in an area to
which the order applies and are
likely to spread in the area or to
another area.
Minimise the negative
impact of those plants on
the economy, community
or environment of NSW.
Growth and spread of the
plant must be controlled
according to the
measures specified in a
management plan
published by the local
control authority.
5 – Restricted
Plants
Plants that are likely, by their sale or
the sale of their seeds or movement
within the State or an area of the
State, to spread in the State or
outside the State.
Prevent the introduction of
those plants into NSW,
the spread of those plants
within NSW or from NSW
to another jurisdiction.
Must not be sold or
purchased and must not
be moved from the land.
12 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
4.0 Compliance and Reporting
4.1 External Reporting Requirements
Reporting will be undertaken as per Section 4 of the OEMP and any requirements stipulated by an approved
Noxious Weed Management Plan.
4.2 Corrective Actions
As per Section 4 of the OEMP:
• Identified non-conformances with the FFMP, legislative or other requirement will be managed in
accordance with BSEMS-STD25 Operational Non Conformance & Incident Reporting; and
• Corrective and preventative actions arising from non-conformances will be managed in accordance
with BSEMS-STD05 Effectiveness of Corrective & Preventative Actions.
Non-conformances will be identified by the completion of routine inspections and audits of the Site
undertaken as per Section 4 of the OEMP.
In the event that chronic exceedances of the prescribed management measures are recorded an
investigation into the cause, potential impacts and feasible mitigation options will be triggered. The
investigation will be undertaken by Aurizon in consultation with the DPI&E where required.
4.3 Document Review
The FFMP will be reviewed and updated as per Section 7 of the OEMP.
13 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
APPENDICIES
14 14-PLA-0004-HEX FFMP – April 2020 / Aurizon / Commercial-in Confidence
APPENDIX A – Minister Conditions of Approval MP07_0171 and Statement of Commitments
Relevant Minister Conditions of Approval
MCoA Description FFMP Section
F2 (d) Where required, measures to monitor and maintain biodiversity offset measures implemented in accordance with condition
C4 of this approval;
Section 3.0
Appendix B
F2 (e) Measures to monitor and maintain the effectiveness of flora and fauna management measures, including revegetated
areas, landscaped areas and the control of the spread of weeds.
Section 3.0
Appendix B
C3 (a) – (j)
Prior to the commencement of construction work that would result in the disturbance of any native vegetation, threatened
flora and fauna or endangered ecological communities (EECs) and their habitats, the Proponent shall develop an Ecological
Monitoring Program to monitor the effectiveness of the biodiversity mitigation measures implemented as part of the SSI.
The Program shall be developed by a NSW Government Department of Planning & Infrastructure suitably qualified and
experienced ecologist in consultation with the OEH. The Program shall include, but not necessarily be limited to: (a) – (j)
Section 3.1
C5 The Proponent shall ensure that groundwater dependent ecosystems outside the project footprint are not adversely
affected by the design, construction and operation of the SSI. Noted
C17
All temporary and permanent watercourse crossings shall be designed in consultation with the NoW, and with the DPI
(Aquaculture and Fisheries) where the crossing has the potential to impact on fish passage. Where feasible and
reasonable, the crossings shall be consistent with the NoW‘s Guidelines for Controlled Activities and Policy and Guidelines
for Fish Friendly Waterway Crossings (NSW Fisheries, 2004) and Policy for and Guidelines for Design and Construction of
Bridges, Roads, Causeways, Culverts and Similar Structures (NSW Fisheries, 1999).
Noted
E4
Any areas temporarily disturbed during construction (including access tracks and compound sites) shall be rehabilitated to a
standard equal to or better than the existing condition, as soon as feasible and reasonable following the completion of
construction activities in the affected location. Replanting of affected vegetation shall be undertaken using locally occurring
native species.
Section 3.2
E5
The Proponent shall ensure that any coarse woody debris removed from the site, including timber from felled trees
(particularly hollow bearing timber), shall be relocated to the Northern Offset site as identified in Appendix G of the document
referred to in condition B1(c) of this approval, for the enhancement of the ecological values of that site.
Not applicable as no longer identified
as an Offset area as per Section 3.0.
MCoA Description FFMP Section
E8
The Proponent shall prepare a management plan that identifies the strategies that would be implemented in the event that
the Green and Golden Bell Frog is identified during construction. The plan shall be developed in consultation with the OEH
and include details on the mitigation measures to be implemented to minimise the risk to this species, including direct and
indirect impacts to its habitat. The plan is to be submitted to the Director-General at least one month prior to construction,
unless otherwise agreed by the Director-General. Nothing in this condition precludes the inclusion of this plan in the Flora
and Fauna Management Plan (condition E63 (b)).
Appendix C and D
E9 In the event that the Green and Golden Bell Frog is identified to occur during construction, all work in the vicinity of the sighting
shall stop to the extent necessary to allow the procedures set out in the management plan (condition E8) to be implemented. Appendix C and D
Statement of Commitments
SoC Commitment OEMP Section/Management Plan
Item 2 All licences, permits and approvals required by law to construct and operate the TSF will be obtained and
maintained as required. Appendix F
Item 3
Operation of the TSF will be undertaken in accordance with the Environmental Management Plan (EMP). The
EMP will address all measures to be implemented to minimise and manage potential environmental impacts
during the operation of the TSF. The EMP will include the following plans:
This OEMP
A. Conservation Management Plan; Not applicable. Bio-Banking credit transfer
report 201607-TF-156).
Item 9
During construction and operation of the TSF, the Conservation Management Plan will be followed. The
Conservation Management Plan will include:
A. strategies to avoid or minimise impacts to flora and fauna;
B. procedures to monitor and control weeds (with special methods for eradicating alligator weed);
C. strategies to minimise the access route through Proposed Offset Area 2;
D. contingency procedures or corrective actions to be followed should monitoring indicate that the
identified objectives and outcomes are not being achieved.
Not applicable.
Refer to Bio-Banking credit transfer report
201607-TF-156).
Item 10
The management of the Southern Offset Area will include:
A. the establishment and fencing of the conservation area;
B. entering into an appropriate arrangement for the security of the offset area such as a Voluntary
Conservation Agreement;
C. Management of habitat for existing terrestrial and aquatic, flora and fauna species;
D. an annual monitoring program for the first five years;
SoC Commitment OEMP Section/Management Plan
Item 11
The management of the Northern Offset Area will include:
A. improving the condition of the Swamp Oak Forest and the Coastal Floodplain Sedgelands
B. entering into an appropriate arrangement for the security of the offset area such as, a Voluntary
conservation Agreement; and
APPENDIX B – Regulatory Consultation
Planning &Environment
Mr Mark HarrisEnvironment ManagerAurizonPO Box 456Brisbane QLD 4000
Our ref: SSI 07 0171
Dear Mr Harris
Hexham Train Support Facility (SSl 07_0171) Biodiversity Offsets (Gondition G4)
I refer to your correspondence dated 22 January 2016 and subsequent supportingdocumentation requesting Secretary's approval of the Biodiversity Offsets Package forthe above project.
The Department has reviewed preliminary documentation relating to the purchase ofecosystem credits for the Biodiversity Offsets Package and notes endorsement by theOffice of Environment and Heritage for this approach. The Department is satisfied that itaddresses the requirements of Condition C4, subject to provision of a final, consolidatedpackage that includes evidence of retired credits.
It is acknowledged that the previously proposed northern and southern offset sites havebeen withdrawn from the package. The Department therefore requests information fromAurizon stating how the sites will be managed to ensure that their conservation is notdiminished in the future. This information should be included as an amendment to theVegetation Management Plan and the Ecological Monitoring Plan. A copy of theamended Plans should be provided to the Department to confirm that appropriatemanagement measures are provided.
Should you have any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact Mick Fallon ofthe Department of Planning and Environment on (02) 9228 2083.
Yours sincerely
Director, Social and Other lnfrastructure Assessmentsas deleqate of the Secretarv
Department of Planning & Environment23-33 Bridge Street Sydney NSW 2000 | ceo Box 39 Sydney NSW 2001 lf 02 9228 6111 | F 02 9228 6445 | www.planning.nsw.gov.au
APPENDIX C – Green and Golden Bell Frog Management Plan
LTTSF (Hexham)
Green and Golden Bell Frog Plan
1 Introduction
The following information is provided and is to be utilised if a Green and Gold Bell Frog (Litoria aurea) is located or suspected to be within the construction clearing zone for the TSF by construction staff. The strategies indicated in this document must be adhered by all construction staff.
Unless otherwise referenced, the management actions described were adopted from the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG 2013) Green and Golden Bell Frog Management Plan, and the NCIG Kooragang Island Coal Export Terminal – Seasonal Ecological investigations – Green and Golden Bell Frog Survey report prepared by Connell Hatch in 2006.
2 Delineation of disturbance areas
In accordance with the project Flora and Fauna Management Plan, sensitive environmental areas including potential Green and Golden Bell Frog habitat areas adjoining the construction area are to be clearly marked to prevent accidental damage during construction and operation. All areas of native vegetation except for saltmarsh are considered potential GGBF habitat. The cleared areas and saltmarsh may provide for occasional foraging and movement. Figure 1 in this Green and Gold Bell Frog plan shows GGBF habitat for protection.
If Green and Golden Bell Frog are recorded on the site an ecologist will advise on the location and need for additional fencing that prevents access by frogs onto the construction zone.
3 Contractor induction and training
In accordance with the Flora and Fauna Management Plan, all Aurizon personnel and contractors will undergo environmental induction training carried out by the Contractors Environmental Officer before commencing work on-site. Information addressed during this training would include:
Green and Golden Bell Frog profile and identification.
Identification of potential Green and Golden Bell Frog habitat areas within and adjacent to the construction footprint. Project personnel would be prohibited from entering Green and Golden Bell Frog habitat areas located outside the defined construction or operational areas.
The correct procedures (as described in section 5 of this GGBF Management Plan) to follow in the event that Green and Golden Bell Frogs are found on site.
4 Pre-clearance surveys
Pre-clearance surveys would include targeted active searches of potential Green and Golden Bell frog habitat located within project disturbance areas. Pre-clearance surveys would be undertaken by a suitably qualified and licensed ecologist prior to construction each day, and would comply with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Animal Research wildlife survey guidelines for amphibians.
The pre-clearance surveys (and if applicable relocation activities) would be conducted to minimise disruption to breeding activities and the need to relocate tadpoles or metamorphlings, where practicable (NCIG 2013). As a general precaution clearing would be kept to the minimum required, to minimise disturbance to frog habitats.
Habitat resources typically associated with the lifecycle components of the Green and Golden Bell Frog (e.g. ponded areas and rocks, logs, tussock forming vegetation and other cover) would be searched during a diurnal visual inspection (NCIG 2013).
Figure 1 Green and Gold Bell frog habitat for protection
Following the diurnal habitat searches, a nocturnal search will be conducted to assess nocturnal usage (i.e. breeding/calling) in the habitat area. The nocturnal habitat searches shall be based on DEC (2009) Field Survey Methodology and is to include:
Searching of habitat features which were searched during the day;
Spotlighting; and/or
Call playback.
In the event that any Green and Golden Bell Frogs are observed during the diurnal or nocturnal searches for the pre-clearance surveys, frogs would be relocated to adjacent habitat prior to the commencement of construction works and OEH notified immediately.
In the event that GGBF are found on the site a targeted GGBF survey will be undertaken in accordance with DEC (2004) Threatened Species Survey and Assessment Guidelines.
5 Frog relocation procedure
5.1 Relocat ion during pre-clearance surveys
In the event a Green and Golden Bell Frog is identified within the project disturbance areas during pre-clearance surveys, the following relocation procedure would be initiated: 1. The ecologist undertaking the pre-clearance survey would capture the frog. The use of
clean gloves and / or freezer bags (or similar) should be utilised to capture the frogs to reduce the incidence of transfer of potentially toxic elements to frogs. New gloves or freezer bags should be utilised for each individual caught to reduce the potential for transfer of disease between individuals (as per the DECC 2008 Hygiene Protocol for the Control of Disease in Frogs). The bag is to be rinsed out with clean water. Bad should be inflated and knotted at the top.
2. If the frog appears to be healthy a release location would be determined by the ecologist, and the frog would be released into the relocation area. If GGBF are found in the northern half of the site, the ecologist will determine a suitable relocation area preferably in the northern offset area shown in Figure 2.2. The release area should be within 30m of standing freshwater if possible and in a cool and sheltered location. If the GGBF is found in the southern part of the site, the frog should be released into the southern offset area in the freshwater-dominated environment (i.e., not in the saltmarsh). The ecologist will however need to determine the best location given the activities being undertaken and the weather conditions on the day. Any frog to be relocated would be held in a cool, dark, moist place until nightfall (NCIG 2013). If the frog appears to be sick, or is dead, the procedures outlined in the section below would be followed.
Details of Green and Golden Bell Frog relocations (e.g. lifecycle stage and sex of individual, location where found and location of release) conducted during pre-clearance surveys would be recorded and reported to the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage as part of the project environmental management reporting.
5.2 Relocat ion at other t imes
In the event a Green and Golden Bell Frog is observed within the project site outside pre-clearance surveys (e.g. within an area already disturbed), the following relocation procedure would be initiated:
1. Works within the vicinity of the identified frog would cease temporarily.
2. The observer would notify the contractors Environmental Manager of the frog’s location. The Contractor’s Environmental Manager would then determine whether the frog would be likely to be harmed by works
3. If the frog would likely be harmed by the works, the Project Manager would temporarily suspend works to allow an ecologist to capture it. In handling the frog, the ecologist would adhere to the DECC (2008) guidelines for handling a frog in the field, as described in the Hygiene Protocol for the Control of Disease in Frogs (Appendix A) which can be found at: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/nature/hyprfrog.pdf
4. If the frog appears to be healthy a release location would be determined the ecologist, and the frog would be released into the relocation area. Any frog to be relocated would be held in a cool, dark, moist place until nightfall, separate from any other frogs or animals captured. Containers such as an esky with no are appropriate but should be stored in cool environments and not in warm environments such as a car. If the frog appears to be sick, or is dead, the procedures outlined in Section 6 would be followed.
5. Details of the Green and Golden Bell Frog relocation (e.g. lifecycle stage and sex of individual, location where found and location of release) conducted would be recorded and reported to the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage as part of the project environmental management reporting (NCIG 2013).
5.3 Procedures for handl ing sick or dead frogs
Table 1 details the range of symptoms that may be exhibited by sick or dying frogs, while Table 2 provides diagnostic behaviour tests which can be used to determine if a frog is sick (e.g. infected with chytrid fungus) (NCIG 2013).
Table 1: Symptoms of sick and dying frogs (Source: DECC 2008)
Appearance Behaviour
Darker or blotchy upper (dorsal) surface
Reddish/pink-tinged lower (ventral) surface and/or legs and/or webbing or toes
Swollen hind limbs
Very thin or emaciated
Skin lesions (sores, lumps)
Infected eyes
Obvious asymmetric appearance
Lethargic limb movements, especially hind limbs
Abnormal behaviour (e.g. a nocturnal burrowing frog sitting in the open during the day and making no vigorous attempt to escape when approached)
Little or no movement when touched
Table 2: Diagnostic behaviour tests (Source: DECC 2008)
Sick frogs will fail one or more of the following tests:
Test Healthy Sick
Gently touch with finger Frog will blink Frog will not blink
Turn frog on its back Frog will flip over Frog remain on its back
Hold frog gently by its mouth Frog will use its forelimbs to try to remove grip
No response from frog
In the event a Green and Golden Bell Frog appears sick, or is dead, the following procedure would be followed (DECC 2008):
Disposable gloves would be worn when handling any frog (i.e. healthy, sick or dead);
To prevent cross-contamination, new gloves and a clean plastic bag would be used for each frog specimen;
Sick frogs likely to survive transportation would be placed into either a moistened cloth bag with some damp leaf litter or into a partially inflated plastic bag with damp leaf litter. All frogs would be kept separate during transportation. These would be delivered to the appropriate frog carer for rehabilitation. Containers would be kept cool and labelled with the date, location and species of frog (if known);
Dead frogs would be kept cool and delivered as soon as possible to the appropriate recipient for testing. A list of potential sick and dead frog recipients has been provided in Appendix A. The closest recipient is:
Michael Mahoney
School of Biological Sciences
University of Newcastle
CALLAGHAN NSW 2308
Phone: 02 4921 6014
Details of sick or dead Green and Golden Bell Frogs found at the project would be recorded and reported to the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage.
6 Implementation of additional mitigation measures
If GGBF are found on the site, the Ecology Specialist is to advise on the need for additional mitigation measures specific to this species and the environment in which it was recorded. For example, fencing which prevents the movement of GGBF onto construction or operational areas may be temporarily or permanently erected if this measure will avoid fatalities of the GGBF but not prevent the species accessing important habitat resources.
Once mitigation measures are developed, specific GGBF monitoring will be designed to determine the effectiveness of the mitigation measures.
If GGBF are recorded on the site, annual monitoring of the population will be undertaken in accordance with DEC (2004) Threatened Species Survey Guidelines, with results reported in the annual Ecological Monitoring Report required under the Ecological Monitoring Program.
7 Species Identification
The Green and Golden Bell Frog is a relatively large, stout frog ranging in size from 45 – 100 mm (DEC 2005). Most individuals are a vivid pea-green splotched with a metallic brassy brown or gold, with a cream to white stripe extending from behind the eye almost to the groin (Plate 1). Variations in the amount of gold markings on the back occur, with some individuals
being almost entirely green, while in others the golden markings may dominate (DEC 2005). Tadpoles are relatively large (65 – 100 mm), with deep bodies, long tails, and a long tail fin that extends almost half-way along the body (Plate 2).
Plate 1: Adult Green and Golden Bell Frog (source: NCIG 2013)
Plate 2: Green and Golden Bell Frog tadpole (source: NCIG 2013)
Breeding predominantly occurs during spring and summer, with males calling between September and January. However, some males will call outside of this period during favourable conditions (NPWS 2003). Eggs are laid amongst aquatic vegetation, and typically hatch within three days of being laid. Metamorphosis can take from two to eleven months (Daly 1995), however, six weeks appears to be an average duration for the field. The adults are highly mobile, with strong colonising and dispersal capabilities (NPWS 2003). Often breeding and over-wintering sites are considerable distances apart.
The species utilises different habitats for breeding, foraging and over-wintering. Breeding habitat includes human-made or natural permanent and ephemeral sites. Examples are quarries, brickpits, mining sites, sewage treatment ponds, bunded or otherwise ‘retained’ areas, detention basins, drains, scrapes, depressions and farm dams along with coastal or floodplain wetland features such as swamps, ponded areas of intermittent creeklines, lagoons, billabongs and dune swales (NPWS 2003). Foraging habitat requirements include tall, dense grassy vegetation and tussock-forming vegetation. Over-wintering sites provide protection during the cooler months when individuals enter a period of quiescence and become torpid. Such sites include the bases of dense vegetation beneath tussocks, beneath rocks, timber, within logs or beneath ground debris including human refuse such as sheet iron. Over-wintering sites may be adjacent to the breeding sites but may also be some distance away (NPWS 2003).
In the Hunter River estuary the frog species is known to occur at Kooragang and Ash Islands, and Hexham Swamp.
8 References
Connell Hatch. 2006. NCIG Kooragang Island Coal Export Terminal – Seasonal Ecological investigations – Green and Golden Bell Frog Survey. Revision 2.
Daly, G. 1995. Observations on the Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea (Anura: Hylidae) in Southern NSW. Herpetofauna 25(1):1-9.
DEC (Department of Environment and Conservation NSW). 2005. Draft Recovery Plan for the Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea). DEC NSW, Hurstville, NSW.
NCIG (Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group). 2013. Green and Golden Bell Frog Management Plan. Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group Coal Export Terminal Document No. GGBFMP-R02-B.DOC. Accessed at http://www.ncig.com.au/Portals/2/files/planningdocs/Planning%20Documents/NCIG_GGBFMP%202013.pdf
DECC (Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW), 2008. Hygiene protocol for the control of disease in frogs. Information Circular Number 6. Sydney NSW
NPWS (National Parks and Wildlife Service). 2003. Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea (Lesson, 1829) Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines. Threatened Species Unit Conservation Programs and Planning Division, Hurstville.
APPENDIX D – Weed Management Control and Guidelines
Scientific
Name Common Name
Noxious Weed
Classification Frequency Priority Ranking Management Measures
Alternanthera
philoxeroides
Alligator
Weed
Class 3 Noxious
Weed – Regionally
Controlled (WoNS)
Moderate Very High
This species is widely dispersed across the site, but
generally occurs in dense aggregations. Physical
control (deep manual digging) is required with some
initial chemical control (herbicide treatment) for use
in environmentally sensitive areas (e.g. Round up
Biactive) to kill above-ground plant growth as per
best management practices provided in the Alligator
Weed Control Manual (DPI 2009).
As a fair proportion of the TSF and adjacent areas
are of pasture, there is potentially some success of
reducing the spread of the species in damp to wet
grassy meadow areas by grazing cattle / horses.
Must be controlled in areas in the near vicinity (~5 m)
of significant vegetation (e.g. SEPP 14 wetland and
EECs). All cleared topsoil containing this species is
not to be reused as topsoil, but may be used as fill or
disposed of correctly at a licensed waste
management facility.
Ageratina
adenophora Crofton Weed
Class 4 - Noxious
Weed (locally
Controlled)
Low High
The species is not widely dispersed and is restricted
to some small clumps / stands in the south eastern
disturbed section of the TSF.
The application of a registered herbicide for use in
environmentally sensitive areas (e.g. Round up
Biactive), as per label instructions is recommended.
Physical/mechanical removal of small clumps and
outliers (including the root system) by hand is a
suitable alternative method.
The plant must be prevented from growing within 5
metres of a property boundary or watercourses,
addition it must be controlled or managed within or
near areas of retained significant vegetation (e.g.
SEPP 14 wetland and EECs).
Scientific
Name Common Name
Noxious Weed
Classification Frequency Priority Ranking Management Measures
Bryophyllum
delagoense
Mother of
millions
Class 4
Low High
Present as scattered clumps in highly modified and
disturbed areas in the southern portion of the site.
The application of a registered herbicide for use in
environmentally sensitive areas (e.g. Round up
Biactive), as per label instructions.
Physical/mechanical removal provides best results -
by hand for small clumps and isolated individuals and
bagging and disposal; or by machinery (removing the
topsoil) and then disposal as part of fill to be used on
site or disposed of correctly at\ a licensed waste
management facility.
The plant must be prevented from growing within 5
metres of a property boundary and in the vicinity of
areas of significant remnant native vegetation (e.g.
SEPP 14 wetland, and EECs))
Lantana camara Lantana Class 5 Low High
Generally located as small to medium clumps in the
highly modified southern portion of the study area.
Physical/mechanical removal by hand (i.e. cut and
paint) may be the most effective method; alternatively
larger clumps may need to be sprayed with herbicide.
The application of a registered herbicide for use in
environmentally sensitive areas (e.g. Round up
Biactive), as per label instructions.
The plant must be prevented from growing within 5
metres of a property boundary or in the vicinity of
areas of significant remnant native vegetation (e.g.
SEPP 14 wetland, EECs).
Rubus
fruticosus
sp. agg.
Blackberry
complex
Class 4
Low High
Scattered locations across the TSF site, although no
large dense aggregations generally associated with
the highly disturbed southern portion of the site.
Physical/mechanical removal by hand (i.e. cut and
paint) may be the most effective method; alternatively
larger clumps may need to be sprayed with herbicide.
Scientific
Name Common Name
Noxious Weed
Classification Frequency Priority Ranking Management Measures
Machinery may be useful in dense aggregations (e.g.
tractor, backhoe, etc.).
The plant must be prevented from growing within 5
metres of a property boundary or watercourse.
Araujia
sericifera Moth Vine Low High
Generally located as primarily isolated individuals in
the highly modified southern portion of the study
area, although scattered plants are present across
the site.
Hand removal of small plants and cut and paint (or
spray) for larger individuals.
Aerial seed should be removed and destroyed (by
methods such as incineration, disposal at a
dedicated waste management facility or buried on
site as where fill is utilised).
The plant must be prevented from growing within 5
metres of the boundary of areas of significant
remnant native vegetation e.g. SEPP 14 wetland,
EECs).
Juncus acutus Sharp Rush Low /
Moderate High
Primarily located in the southern portion of the site
within and adjacent to the southern boundary of
Aurizon’s landholdings (this area has a particularly
dense population), although some scattered
individuals are dispersed across the site.
This species will need to be managed, likely by a
combination of hand removal of small individuals and
spraying or cut and painting of larger individuals.
The plant must be prevented from growing within 5
metres of a property boundary or in the vicinity of
areas of significant remnant native vegetation e.g.
SEPP 14 wetland, EECs).
Senecio Fireweed (WoNS) Moderate Moderate This species is widely dispersed across the site in all
areas containing pasture, Swamp Oak Swamp
Scientific
Name Common Name
Noxious Weed
Classification Frequency Priority Ranking Management Measures
madagascarien
sis
Forest, although it seldom appears to be in dense
stands.
Hand-pulling individual plants and using spot
spraying herbicide application (e.g. Round up
Biactive or similar product). Difficult species to
eradicate, but some effort must go into managing the
species.
Acacia saligna
Golden
Wreath
Wattle
Moderate Moderate
Present as a rehabilitation / stabilisation species,
across most vegetated non pasture or wetland areas
of site. Species will need specific control where
reestablishment of native woodland /open forest
habitats or native landscaping is to be recreated.
Hand pull seedlings and cut and paint more mature
individuals.
Control as necessary where in close proximity to
areas of significant remnant native vegetation e.g.
SEPP 14 wetland, EECs).
Hydrocotyle
bonariensis Pennywort
Low /
Moderate Moderate
Control as necessary where in close proximity to
areas of significant remnant native vegetation e.g.
SEPP 14 wetland, EECs).
Aster subulatus Wild Aster Low /
Moderate Moderate
Gomphocarpus
fruticosus
Narrow leaved
Cotton
Bush
Low /
Moderate Moderate
Cirsium vulgare Spear Thistle Low Moderate
Cotula
coronopifolia
Water
Buttons Low Moderate
Scientific
Name Common Name
Noxious Weed
Classification Frequency Priority Ranking Management Measures
Cinnamomum
camphora
Camphor
Laurel Low Moderate
Cut and paint or hand pull small individuals. Larger
plants will need to be frilled or drilled and with the
application of herbicide. Ligustrum
sinense
Small-leaved
Privet Low Moderate
Phytolacca
octandra Inkweed Low Moderate
Potentially invasive weed that will need to be
removed and controlled, either by hand or
mechanically.
Conyza sp. Moderate Low
General control as necessary across the TSF site,
although specific treatment may be required in
locations in close proximity to areas of significant
remnant native vegetation e.g. SEPP 14 wetland,
EECs).
Sida rhombifolia Paddy's
Lucerne Moderate Low
Pennisetum
clandestinum Kikuyu Grass Moderate Low
Chloris gayana Rhodes
Grass Moderate Low
Axonopus
fissifolius
Narrow leafed
Carpet
Grass
Moderate Low
Tagetes minuta Stinking
Roger
Low /
Moderate Low
Verbena
bonariensis Purpletop Moderate Low
Scientific
Name Common Name
Noxious Weed
Classification Frequency Priority Ranking Management Measures
Phyla nodiflora Carpet Weed Moderate Low
Cyperus
congestus
Low /
Moderate Low
Rumex crispus Curled Dock Low /
Moderate Low
Lolium perenne Perennial
Ryegrass
Low /
Moderate Low
Ehrharta erecta Panic
Veldtgrass
Low /
Moderate Low
Paspalum
dilatatum Paspalum
Low /
Moderate Low
Anagallis
arvensis
Scarlet/Blue
Pimpernel
Low /
Moderate Low
Solanum
mauritianum
Wild Tobacco
Bush
Low /
Moderate Low
Schinus areira Pepper Tree Low Low
Erechtites
valerianifolius
Brazilian
Fireweed Low Low
Euchiton sp. Cudweed Low Low
Scientific
Name Common Name
Noxious Weed
Classification Frequency Priority Ranking Management Measures
Hypochaeris
radicata Catsear Low Low
Bidens pilosa Cobbler's
Pegs Low Low
Ambrosia
tenuifolia
Lacy
Ragweed Low Low
Ambrosia
psilostachya
Perennial
Ragweed Low Low
Conyza albida Tall Fleabane Low Low
Conyza
bonariensis
Flaxleaf
Fleabane Low Low
Galinsoga
parviflora Potato Weed Low Low
Heterotheca
grandiflora
Telegraph
Weed Low Low
Taraxacum
officinale Dandelion Low Low
Capsella
bursapastoris
Shepherd's
Purse Low Low
Atriplex
prostrata Low Low
Will need to be removed / controlled (physical hand
removal / spot spraying with (e.g. Round up Biactive
or similar) if in the vicinity of Saltmarsh EEC areas.
Scientific
Name Common Name
Noxious Weed
Classification Frequency Priority Ranking Management Measures
Euphorbia
peplus Petty Spurge Low Low
General control as necessary across the TSF site,
although specific treatment may be required in
locations in close proximity to areas of significant
remnant native vegetation e.g. SEPP 14 wetland,
EECs.
Trifolium repens White Clover Low Low
Trifolium
fragiferum
Strawberry
Clover Low Low
Centaurium
erythraea
Common
Centaury Low Low
Romulea rosea
var. australis Onion Grass Low Low
Cotoneaster sp. Cotton Easter Low Low
Malva sp. Low Low
Modiola
caroliniana
Red-flowered
Mallow Low Low
Hibiscus sp. Low Low
Plantago
lanceolata
Lamb's
Tongues Low Low
Hordeum
leporinum Barley Grass Low Low
Scientific
Name Common Name
Noxious Weed
Classification Frequency Priority Ranking Management Measures
Echinochloa
crusgalli
Barnyard
Grass Low Low
Eragrostis
curvula
African
Lovegrass Low Low
Setaria gracilis Slender
Pigeon Grass Low Low
Melinis repens Red Natal
Grass Low Low
Andropogon
virginicus Whisky Grass Low Low
Briza maxima Quaking
Grass Low Low
Holcus lanatus Yorkshire Fog Low Low
Setaria
verticillata
Whorled
Pigeon Grass Low Low
Sporobolus
africanus
Parramatta
Grass Low Low
Persicaria
orientalis
(cultivated form)
Princes
Feathers Low Low
Scientific
Name Common Name
Noxious Weed
Classification Frequency Priority Ranking Management Measures
Portulaca sp. Low Low
Portulaca pilosa Low Low
Verbascum
virgatum
Twiggy /
Green Mullein Low Low
Solanum
nigrum
Black-berry
Nightshade Low Low
Verbena rigida Veined
Verbena Low Low
Lilium
formosanum
Formosan
Lily Low Low
Treatment (either hand dig or high concentration
herbicide on scraped stems) will be required in
locations in close proximity to areas of significant
remnant native vegetation e.g. SEPP 14 wetland,
EECs.
APPENDIX E – Recommended Revegetation Species
Family Scientific Name Common Name
Swamp
Sclerophyll
Forest
Swamp Oak
Swamp Forest Saltmarsh
Freshwater
Wetland
General
Landscaping*
Acanthaceae Brunoniella australis Blue Trumpet
Adiantaceae Pellaea falcata Sickle Fern
Adiantaceae Cheilanthes sieberi
Adiantaceae Adiantum aethiopicum Common Maidenhair X
Aizoaceae Tetragonia tetragonioides New Zealand Spinach X
Alismataceae Alisma plantago-aquatica Water Plantain X
Amaranthaceae Alternanthera denticulata Lesser Joyweed
Apiaceae Apium prostratum Sea Celery X
Apiaceae Centella asiatica Pennywort X X X
Apiaceae Actinotus minor Lesser Flannel Flower X
Apiaceae Hydrocotyle peduncularis X X
Apiaceae Hydrocotyle laxiflora Stinking Pennywort X X
Araliaceae Polyscias sambucifolia Elderberry Panax X
Bignoniaceae Pandorea pandorana Wonga Wonga Vine X X
Campanulaceae Wahlenbergia gracilis Australian Bluebell X
Casuarinaceae Casuarina glauca Swamp Oak X X X
Casuarinaceae Allocasuarina littoralis Black Sheoak X
Chenopodiaceae Sarcocornia quinqueflora X
Chenopodiaceae Einadia hastata Berry Saltbush X
Chenopodiaceae Einadia trigonos Fishweed X
Commelinaceae Commelina cyanea Native Wandering Jew X X X
Cunoniaceae Ceratopetalum
gummiferum
Christmas Bush X
Cyperaceae Bolboschoenus caldwellii X
Cyperaceae Fimbristylis dichotoma Common Fringe-sedge X
Cyperaceae Eleocharis minuta X
Cyperaceae Baumea articulata Jointed Twig-rush X X
Family Scientific Name Common Name
Swamp
Sclerophyll
Forest
Swamp Oak
Swamp Forest Saltmarsh
Freshwater
Wetland
General
Landscaping*
Cyperaceae Baumea rubiginosa X X
Cyperaceae Gahnia clarkei Tall Saw-sedge X X
Cyperaceae Lepidosperma laterale
Cyperaceae Schoenoplectus
mucronatus
X
Dennstaedtiaceae Histiopteris incisa Bat's Wing Fern X X
Dicksoniaceae Calochlaena dubia Common Ground Fern X
Dilleniaceae Hibbertia aspera Rough Guinea Flower X
Ericaceae Epacris pulchella X
Euphorbiaceae Homalanthus populifolius Bleeding Heart X X X
Fabaceae
(Faboideae)
Gompholobium latifolium Golden Glory Pea X
Fabaceae
(Faboideae)
Pultenaea paleacea X
Fabaceae
(Faboideae)
Bossiaea obcordata Spiny Bossiaea X
Fabaceae
(Faboideae)
Hardenbergia violacea False Sarsaparilla X X
Fabaceae
(Faboideae)
Glycine microphylla X X
Fabaceae
(Mimosoideae)
Acacia longifolia subsp.
longifolia
Sydney Golden Wattle X X
Fabaceae
(Mimosoideae)
Acacia suaveolens Sweet Wattle X
Fabaceae
(Mimosoideae)
Acacia terminalis Sunshine Wattle X
Fabaceae
(Mimosoideae)
Acacia ulicifolia Prickly Moses X
Family Scientific Name Common Name
Swamp
Sclerophyll
Forest
Swamp Oak
Swamp Forest Saltmarsh
Freshwater
Wetland
General
Landscaping*
Haloragaceae Gonocarpus teucrioides Raspwort X
Haloragaceae Gonocarpus micranthus
subsp. micranthus
X X
Iridaceae Patersonia sericea var.
sericea
X
Juncaceae Juncus kraussii Sea Rush X X
Juncaceae Juncus subsecundus X X
Juncaceae Juncus continuus X X
Juncaceae Juncus planifolius X X
Juncaceae Juncus prismatocarpus X X
Juncaginaceae Triglochin striatum Streaked Arrowgrass X
Juncaginaceae Triglochin microtuberosum X
Lobeliaceae Pratia purpurascens Whiteroot X X X
Lomandraceae Lomandra glauca subsp.
glauca
X
Lomandraceae Lomandra obliqua X
Lomandraceae Lomandra confertifolia
subsp. rubiginosa
X
Lomandraceae Lomandra filiformis subsp.
filiformis
X
Lomandraceae Lomandra longifolia var.
longifolia
X X
Myrtaceae Melaleuca linariifolia Flax-leaved Paperbark X
Myrtaceae Corymbia maculata Spotted Gum X
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus tereticornis Forest Red Gum X X
Myrtaceae Melaleuca quinquenervia Broad-leaved Paperbark X X X X
Family Scientific Name Common Name
Swamp
Sclerophyll
Forest
Swamp Oak
Swamp Forest Saltmarsh
Freshwater
Wetland
General
Landscaping*
Myrtaceae Melaleuca styphelioides Prickly-leaved Tea Tree X X
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus acmenoides X
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus robusta Swamp Mahogany X X X
Myrtaceae Angophora costata Sydney Red/Rusty Gum X
Myrtaceae Melaleuca armillaris Bracelet Honey-myrtle X X X
Myrtaceae Kunzea ambigua Tick Bush X
Myrtaceae Melaleuca hypericifolia Hillock bush X
Myrtaceae Callistemon citrinus Crimson Bottlebrush X X
Myrtaceae Eucalyptus acmenoides White Mahogany X
Myrtaceae Callistemon salignus Willow Bottlebrush X X
Myrtaceae Melaleuca decora X X
Myrtaceae Melaleuca nodosa Ball Honeymyrtle X
Myrtaceae Melaleuca sieberi X X
Myrtaceae Melaleuca thymifolia X X
Myrtaceae Corymbia gummifera Red Bloodwood X
Myrtaceae Syncarpia glomulifera Turpentine X
Myrtaceae Leptospermum
polygalifolium subsp.
cismontanum
X
Myrtaceae Leptospermum trinervium Slender Tea-tree X
Phormiaceae Dianella caerulea var.
caerulea
X X X
Pittosporaceae Billardiera scandens Appleberry X X
Poaceae Phragmites australis Common Reed X X X
Poaceae Paspalum vaginatum Salt-water Couch X X
Family Scientific Name Common Name
Swamp
Sclerophyll
Forest
Swamp Oak
Swamp Forest Saltmarsh
Freshwater
Wetland
General
Landscaping*
Poaceae Echinopogon caespitosus Bushy Hedgehog-grass X
Poaceae Dichelachne micrantha Shorthair Plumegrass X
Poaceae Isachne globosa Swamp Millet X X
Poaceae Poa labillardieri Tussock X
Poaceae Entolasia stricta Wiry Panic X
Poaceae Themeda australis Kangaroo Grass X
Poaceae Microlaena stipoides var.
stipoides
X X
Poaceae Austrostipa pubescens X X
Polygonaceae Persicaria decipiens Spotted Knotweed X X
Polygonaceae Persicaria lapathifolia Pale Knotweed X X
Polygonaceae Persicaria hydropiper Water Pepper X X
Proteaceae Banksia integrifolia subsp.
integrifolia
Coastal Banksia X
Proteaceae Grevillea sericea X
Proteaceae Hakea dactyloides Finger Hakea, Broad-
leaved Hakea
X
Proteaceae Lambertia formosa Mountain Devil X
Proteaceae Lomatia silaifolia Crinkle Bush X
Proteaceae Petrophile pulchella Conesticks X
Proteaceae Banksia oblongifolia Fern-leaved Banksia X
Proteaceae Banksia serrata Old-man Banksia X
Proteaceae Isopogon anethifolius X
Proteaceae Banksia spinulosa var.
collina
X
Ranunculaceae Ranunculus inundatus River Buttercup X X
Family Scientific Name Common Name
Swamp
Sclerophyll
Forest
Swamp Oak
Swamp Forest Saltmarsh
Freshwater
Wetland
General
Landscaping*
Ranunculaceae Clematis glycinoides Headache Vine X
Restionaceae Lepyrodia scariosa X X X
Rubiaceae Opercularia varia Variable Stinkweed X
Rubiaceae Pomax umbellata X
Rutaceae Zieria smithii Sandfly Zieria X
Sapindaceae Cupaniopsis anacardioides Tuckeroo X
Sapindaceae Dodonaea triquetra Large-leaf Hop-bush X
Smilacaceae Smilax glyciphylla Sweet Sarsaparilla X X
Sterculiaceae Lasiopetalum ferrugineum
var. ferrugineum
X
Thymelaeaceae Pimelea linifolia subsp.
linifolia
X
Typhaceae Typha orientalis Broad-leaved Cumbungi X
Violaceae Viola hederacea X X X
Vitaceae Cissus antarctica Water Vine X X
APPENDIX F – Bio Banking Credits (#201607-TF-156)
Effective date:
Transaction number:
Credit transfer report
29-July-2016
201607-TF-156
Seller ID:
Name of seller:
Buyer ID:
Name of buyer:
Other owner(s):
No other owners
262
Angophora Holdings Pty Ltd
299
Aurizon Operations Limited
Sellers' details:
Buyers' details:
Page 1 of 3
Ecosystem credit(s) transferred
Vegetation
formation(see key)
Vegetation typeCredit
profile ID
Number of
credits
Price per
credit
Patch
size
% surrounding
vegetation
CMA
subregion
Vegetation
code
Agreement
ID
15 2,238 212 Macleay
Hastings -
Northern Rivers
>70% >100 ha $2,636.36NR149 NR149/Coastal floodplain sedgelands,
rushlands, and forblands of the North
Coast
FRW
372 2,235 212 Macleay
Hastings -
Northern Rivers
>70% >100 ha $2,636.36NR217 NR217/Paperbark swamp forest of the
coastal lowlands of the NSW North Coast
Bioregion and Sydney Basin Bioregion
FRW
Total sale price (excluding GST) $1,020,271.32
Page 2 of 3
Key to vegetation formations
Code Vegetation formation
ALP Alpine complex
ASA Arid shrublands (Acacia)
ASC Arid shrublands (Chenopod)
DSG Dry sclerophyll forests (shrub/grass)
DSS Dry sclerophyll forests (shrubby)
FRW Forested wetlands
FWW Freshwater wetlands
GLD Grasslands
GRW Grassy woodlands
HLD Heathlands
MES Miscellaneous ecosystems
RFT Rainforests
SAW Saline wetlands
SWG Semi-arid woodlands (grassy)
SWS Semi-arid woodlands (shrubby)
WSG Wet sclerophyll forests (grassy)
WSS Wet sclerophyll forests (shrubby)
The credit register provides further information about credit holdings and reports about credit trading activity. To view this information, please visit the public register website at
www.environment.nsw.gov.au/bimspr/index.htm
For more information, please contact the BioBanking Scheme Manager - phone (02) 9995 6753; email [email protected]
Page 3 of 3